Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Lombard.
Diana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up my dream was to be on Broadway. After 7 years of traveling across the country, and internationally, as a professional singer and actor, my dream changed. I craved a career where I had more control over my own growth and destiny. I also knew I wanted someday to have a family.
My aunt, who is an interior designer, recommended that I look into the industry, so I enrolled in a drafting class at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. It was the most challenging thing I had done in years (it is way more difficult to draw a straight line than you would think!), but I loved it. I applied to the program, got in and then spent the next two years immersed in interior design. While in school, I interned with several interior design firms. When I graduated I began working with Julie Hillman Design. Working with Julie was an incredible experience because I was exposed to extremely high-end, custom work and amazing vintage furniture pieces.
At the same time, a friend introduced me to someone who needed an interior designer in Westchester, NY. They didn’t want a big firm and liked the idea of working with someone who was just starting out and therefore able to give them personalized attention. I began designing their entire 3600 square foot home and my independent firm was born, DRC Design!
After following my fiancé to Houston, TX, I got my first job renovating a condo in midtown Houston as a result of a referral from a client in NYC. I worked part-time with two different designers in Houston managing large-scale, custom homes in Memorial, but continued to build my own business.
After my son was born in August of 2016, I renamed my firm to Diana Lombard Interiors and went out fully on my own. I love that my job now allows me the flexibility to be a mom but also a business owner. I have had some amazing clients and that is what makes the experience so rewarding for me- getting to know people and getting them really excited about their homes.
Has it been a smooth road?
I am happy to say that for the most part, it has been a smooth road! I have been very fortunate in that my business has grown entirely by word of mouth. There is nothing as wonderful as referrals from previous clients.
Keeping up with the current demands of social media has been somewhat challenging, only because I am not inherently into that sort of thing. I am still pushing myself to expand my social media outreach.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Diana Lombard Interiors story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in residential interiors and love working on renovations or new construction. In addition to furniture and finishings, I have a lot of experience selecting architectural elements, including tile, flooring, countertops, fixtures, paint, lighting, and fireplaces. I most enjoy helping my clients integrate those new architectural elements with interior selections to create a unique and fully cohesive space.
I am proud of the individualized attention I give my clients. I have seen firsthand that sometimes at larger firms clients get overlooked because the owner does not have enough time to oversee every detail. For me, that is never the case. I know exactly what is happening at all times on all of my projects, and I never take on more than I can handle.
In Houston especially I think I bring a modern, fresh take to interior design. While always tailored to the client, my designs are classy, clean, innovative and fun. I value quality and am very attentive to detail. I love finding interesting art or designing a custom piece to make a space unique, and am not afraid to push the boundaries a bit and get clients to think outside the box.
I have worked with clients at every budget level. I have sourced collectible vintage furniture from auctions in NYC, hand picked fireplaces from Belgium, designed custom sofas and chairs from scratch, and snagged great accessories from Home Goods and Target for various clients. This diverse experience makes me able to work with clients across a range of backgrounds. Mixing high and low is something I do really well.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think homes are a lot more liveable than they used to be. Many people ask for rooms that are kid friendly and pet-friendly, as opposed to keeping certain rooms off limits. Dining rooms are becoming obsolete in certain age groups, with many younger clients repurposing them for other needs.
A lot of interior design is going online – designers offering “design in a box” and companies that outsource interior designers. However, it is my belief that interior design is rooted in the personal connection, which you can’t get online.
I have read that people are also moving towards more home renovations as opposed to new builds. Rising home prices mean people stay put longer, and work with what they have, as opposed to moving around a lot. A good renovation with an experienced designer can make an “old” home look new again.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dianalombard.com
- Phone: 917-734-9063
- Email: diana@dianalombard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianalombardinteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianalombardinteriors/
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/dianalombard/diana-lombard-interiors
Image Credit:
Sonal Penner
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